How to keep my PS3 NAT Type on Open and stop it from returning to moderate?

I'll help if I can ! NOTE: THIS WILL BE A BIT LONG SO BEAR WITH ME !

Having a closed or limited NAT on your gaming console will cause a variety of issues. Similar to strict, moderate or open on an Xbox 360, the PS3 offers Type 3, Type 2 and Type 1 NAT results. These break down as follows:

Type 1 - Connected directly to the internet (no router/firewall). Should have no issues.

Type 2 - Connected through a router properly. Should have no issues.

Type 3 - Connected through a router without open ports or DMZ setup for PS3. Everything should function properly, but you may have connection, voice chat or other issues.

While most everything will function properly regardless of what your NAT setting is, your best bet is to set up your PS3 so that you can obtain a Type 1 or Type 2 NAT. Since most of us have routers at home for connecting multiple computers or devices to the internet, chances are the best we will get Type 2. Thankfully that's fine and everything will work properly.

The first thing you will want to do is check your network connection. Head on over to the Network Settings tab on the XMB.

Once there choose the Internet Connection Test item.

The warning reads: "When the NAT type is type 3, chat or the communication features of games may be restricted. For more information, refer to the online instruction manual."

If you run the test and have Type 2 or Type 1, stop fooling around and go play some games! If, however, you have Type 3, read on for help on opening up your NAT.

In order to open up your NAT on your PS3 you will need to make an adjustment on your PS3 and on your router. First you will want to set up your PS3 for a static IP address. This means turning off DHCP and assigning your PS3 a single, static IP address. Before you start this process head over to the network tab on the XMB and choose "Internet Connection Status." From here note your current IP address, your subnet mask, your default router and primary and secondary DNS settings. Write these down, you will need them in the following steps.

To do this, visit the Internet Connection Settings tab on the XMB.

From here most of the settings can simply be passed through with default settings. There are two areas, however, that you have to change. The first is choosing a Custom address setting (instead of Easy).

Remember the settings you wrote down from your status page? You will need them here. You will have to enter in the static IP Address you want to assign to your PS3, the Subnet Mask (which is usually 255.255.255.0), the default router (the IP address of your router, most often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.100.1), and the Primary and Secondary DNS settings. You will have to input all of these numbers. This is made much easier with a DVD Remote or keyboard.

Please NOTE - You will want to set the last number of your IP address high enough that other wireless or wired items on your network will not be assigned the same number through DHCP. While DHCP had chosen .3 as an IP address for my PS3 initially, I bumped it up to .23 because I have less than 23 items in my network. If you do not have DHCP enabled on your router, you do not need to worry about this and can simply choose an IP address that does not conflict with your other devices and which is available through your router.

Once you have all of the settings input, press X to save them. Your settings will change and the PS3 will offer to perform an Internet Connection Test for you. If you let it do the test now chances are you will still get a Type 3 NAT connection. Don't fret little bear, we still have one more step.

In addition to making the necessary changes on your PS3, you will also have to open up some ports on your router. The ports you need to open are: FIND OUT HOW TO OPEN PORTS ON YOUR BRAND OF ROUTER !

TCP: 80, 443, 5223

UDP: 5223, 3478, 3479, 3658

Depending on what type of router you have, you'll need to open ports according to your specific router's instructions. In order to obtain an open or Type 2 NAT, you will need to open those ports listed above.

Once you have forwarded these ports and saved your settings its a good idea to unplug and plug back in your router. This will refresh everything on your network connected to your router. Once done head back to your PS3 and perform an Internet Connection Test.

For help with your router, I've included a link that lists most major router brands and how to set up port openings !

PS3 NAT is measured in a different way than a 360's 360 NAT varieties are Open Strict and reasonable on a PS3 it incredibly is Nat form a million, 2 or 3 not sure it incredibly is which yet one means its strict one means its open working by a router and the different means open working by a modem. or so i think of

ok, you answered for how to enable NAT type 2 (NAT type moderate). now, can you tell me how can i enable NAT type 1 (NAT type open) on my ps3? cause i can only get nat type 2 (moderate)

Opppps